Fireplace damper construction



March 26 1940- H. A. BENJAMIN FIREPLACE DAMPER CONSTRUCTION Filed May 23, 1938 Patented Mar. 26, 194()v UNITED STATES PATENT F'FCE '2,194,583 l y, I

.FIREPLACE DAMPER CONSTRUCTION Henry A. Benjamin, Oakland, Calif.

Application May 2s, icsaseriai No. 209,423

` toiamfls. ycui. 126-288) My invention is concerned with the provision of an improved damper construction for replaces. i

It is the object of the invention to provide improved damper means for fireplaces, which is of a simple, inexpensive construction; which can be installed easily, and which provides for ready adjustment of the damper lid ,to any desired position. f

Other objects will be apparent from the following description of a preferred embodimentof the invention as illustrated in the accompanying drawing, in which: y

Figure 1 is a vertical section through a replace having the damper means of my invention installed therein, the View being taken in the plane of the line I-I in Figure 2. 4

Figure 2 is a horizontal sectional View of one end of the fireplace taken as indicated by the line 2 2 in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a fragmentary sectional view taken as indicated by the line 3--2y in Figure 2.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, a fireplace I0 of a conventional construction is shown, with the brick or stone walls which dene the fireplace and the chimney II `shown schematically. As usual, a lintel I2 is provided across the `front of the fireplace to support the frontwallv I3 and having its ends supported on side walls I4 0f the replace. The lintel I2 has its upwardly extending flange II spaced from rear wall I'I to provide the throat between the fireplace audits chimney. i

In accordance with my invention, the lintel itself forms a part of the damper construction, and imperforate end brackets are associated therewith to form the frame .of the damper. Similar end brackets I8 (Figs. 1-3) are provided which may be secured to the lintel I2 in spaced apart relation to be supported on respective side walls It and form smooth upward continuations thereof. Each bracket I8 is provided with base flange I9, vertical imperforate wall 20, Aand lintel engaging flange 2l which may be riveted or otherwise secured to the lintel as at 22. Base flange I9 may be embedded in the adjacent Wall and is preferably provided with an extension 23 (Figs. 2 and 3) which is also embedded in the adjacent wall. As seen in. Figs. 1 and 2 the rear portion of each bracket I8 may extend into and be embedded in wall Il, if desired.

From the above description, it will be seen that the lintel and the end brackets form a frame which is built into thewalls of the fireplace and with rear wall I'I define the throat opening thereof, which is opened and closed by the damper 26.

Damper 26 is mounted for pivotal movement on the lintel and preferably has a freely detachable connection therewith. As seen in Figures 1 and 2, damper 26 comprises an arcuate plate, which is formed to correspond to the shape of the upper edges of brackets I8, and has a pair of similar spaced pivot lugs 2! received in respective slots 28 formed in the upper edge of lintel flange I6 adjacent respective upright damper engaging projections 29 thereof. It is seen, therefore, that damper 26 is mounted for pivotal movement at its lower and forward edge, the mounting preventing endwise movement thereof while providing for free lifting of the damper when its removal is desired.

The damper can be adjusted to any desired position from the closed dotted line position thereof shown in Figure 1 in which its rear edge rests on the top of rear wall I 1, by adjusting means of a construction to enable easy operation while providing a minimum exposure of the operating parts to the direct action ofthe fire and smoke. The adjusting means comprises nut 3l (Figs. 1 and 2) disposed in opening 32 in damper 26, and having trunnions 33 pivotally secured on the damper by bearing brackets 34'. Nut 3| is threadedly engaged by screw 36 having a universal connection 3l at its upper end with adjusting shaft 38 journalled in tube 39, which is built into front wall I3. Suitable washers 40 are provided at each end of tube 39, and operating handle 4I is secured on the projecting end of adjusting shaft 38. By turning handle III, the damper can be moved to any desired position, and will be positively maintained therein by the locking action of the nut and screw.

From the above description, it will be seen that the improved damped construction of my invention can be installed with a minimum of work, and that the damper itself can be removed easily for subsequent inspection, cleaning, or repair of the fireplace. In addition, the adjustment is positive and not subject to clogging or deterioration in use.

While I have shown and described a preferred l f and a flange projecting upwardly therefrom, a

pair of end brackets associated with said lintel having imperforate walls to provide portions of the replace side walls, a damper having a freely detachable pivotal connection, with said upwardly projecting lintel flange, and adjusting means extending from. the upper side of said damper including an adjusting shaft for journalling in the front wall of the fireplace.

2. In a damper construction for fireplaces, a lintel having a horizontal wall supporting flange and a ange projecting upwardly therefrom, a pairof end brackets associated with said lintel having imperforate Walls to provide portions of the fireplace sidewalls, a damper having a freely detachable pivotal connection with said upwardly projecting lintel flange, a nut pivotally connected to said damper, a screw associated with said nut, an adjusting shaftffor mounting in the front Wall of the replace, and a universal connection between said screw and said shaft.

3. Ina damper construction for fireplaces; a

lintel; a damper pivotally mounted on said lintel, and adjusting means associated with damper for eecting movement thereof, said adjusting means including a shaft for journalling in the wall of said repiace above said damper and an` adjusting element connected to said damper and driven by said shaft.

4. In a damper construction for fireplaces; a lintel; a damper pivotally mounted on said lintel, a nut connected to said damper, a screw associated with said nut, an adjusting shaft located above said damper, and a universal connection between said screw and said shaft.

5. In a damper construction for iireplaces; a lintel; a damper mounted on said lintel by a freely detachable pivotal connection, a nut connected to said damper, a screw associated with said nut, an adjusting shaft located, above said damper, and a universal connection between said screw and said shaft.

` HENRY A. BENJAMIN. 

